Gear Reviews
The Envelope, Please! An Introduction to Envelope Generators
Envelope Generators, or EGs, create a control signal that rises and falls over time when a note is triggered. In a synthesizer, that signal can control an amplifier to shape loudness changes over time. It’s also common to raise and lower a filter’s cutoff frequency,...
NEWS: Taylor Guitars Transitioning to D’Addario Coated XS Phosphor Bronze Strings
Taylor Guitars, the leading global builder of premium acoustic guitars, and D'Addario, the world's premier guitar string maker, announce that Taylor is transitioning to D'Addario's premium XS coated Phosphor Bronze guitar strings. This exciting collaboration marries...
Eurorack and Modular Synthesis 101
A Non-Scary Intro to Eurorack AKA Modular is Not a Dirty Word Hello, my name is Quinn, I make music under the name Wyram, and I love working with Eurorack Modular Synthesizers. Not only do I think Eurorack modular manufacturers are creating some of the most...
How To
How to Set Up a Killer Interactive Session With Your Fans
Livestreams were a lifesaver for musicians and fans alike during the pandemic, approximating the live concert experience and allowing everyone to feel slightly more normal in an abnormal time. That said, livestreaming is only the beginning of the conversation when it...
Build a Business, Not a Following
If small business owners in other lines of work took the same advice that has regularly been doled out to musicians, they’d never get anything done. The fact is artists, producers, and other music makers have been encouraged to emulate the 1% of music stars and...
10 Ways to Tune Up Your Music Business for 2022
Here are 10 ways to tune up your music business for the coming year. Make a commitment to focus on these every few weeks. No need to overwhelm yourself, just make progress. Refresh Your Profiles You finally nailed a bio section and put it up years ago. It’s time to...
Buying Guide
Demystifying Analog Synthesis & Signal Flow
In an era where creative or commercial success is possible without the need for physical hardware beyond a computer running the right application, one could be forgiven for believing there is no longer a need for seemingly antiquated analog technology in music...
HOW TO KEEP YOUR VINTAGE SYNTHS SINGING
Tips From the Pros at Syntaur Vintage analog synths are all the rage these days - and for good reason. They sound fat and gorgeous! But the downside is that when a vintage synth goes haywire, or stops working altogether, who will be able to fix it? Many parts for...
The Envelope, Please! An Introduction to Envelope Generators
Envelope Generators, or EGs, create a control signal that rises and falls over time when a note is triggered. In a synthesizer, that signal can control an amplifier to shape loudness changes over time. It’s also common to raise and lower a filter’s cutoff frequency,...
Industry News
The SYNTH ISSUE is out now!
Performer Magazine is psyched to bring you our special SYNTH ISSUE, bought to you by our premier sponsor, DONNER. We've been working hard on this one for a while, and it even has a companion mixtape dropping later this month featuring some of today's coolest artists...
Contribute to Performer’s Special Synthesizer Issue!
Do you obsess over oscillators? Do you have more money invested in your Eurorack system than in your retirement plan? Here’s your opportunity to contribute to Performer’s upcoming special issue on synthesizers (due out in May). GET INVOLVED Wanna help? Awesome! We...
Spotify is Finally Listening to Music Makers
For independent artists and labels, there is definitely a love/hate relationship with Spotify. We love how the deals with distributors have made the track uploads process easy. We hate how we have very little shot of making an editorial playlist on music alone, (hint:...